HVAC
Average Cost: $3,000 - $5,999
Daikin Comfort Technologies, a global HVAC leader, offers a wide range of air conditioners from budget-friendly models to premium split-system units, backed by a strong support network in the U.S. While praised for their advanced inverter technology and U.S. manufacturing, Daikin AC units may pose higher upfront costs and limited contractor availability in some areas due to strict “Comfort Pro” qualifications.
Daikin Comfort Technologies North American is a Japanese heating and cooling company that specializes in manufacturing central air conditioning units, as well as heat pumps, ductless air conditioner systems and furnaces. Daikin celebrated its 100th year in business in 2024 and utilized an extensive network of warehouses, office buildings and “Comfort Pro” service representatives to distribute products, resolve issues, and provide product support to customers throughout the U.S. Daikin’s product lineup spans a range of AC units, including budget-conscious entry-level models to premium split-system AC units that are on par with many of the most respected U.S. HVAC brands.
The Daikin brand may not be as well known in the United States as industry leaders such as Rheem, Lennox, Carrier, York or Trane, but Daikin is a global leader in the HVAC industry. The company headquartered in Osaka, Japan has 27 manufacturing locations spread across the globe.
Here are some additional considerations when choosing a Daikin air conditioner.
There’s a big difference between Daikin’s budget-friendly AC units and its high-end split-system air conditioners. Both are made from quality materials and are designed to last, but the entry-level models lack the improved energy efficiency and advanced features found on Daikin’s premium models.
Daikin Entry-Level AC Unit Features
Daikin High-End AC Model Features
Daikin’s network of U.S.-based distributors set pricing for Daikin AC units and heat pumps. In recent years, HVAC manufacturers and big box home improvement stores have shifted away from providing pricing for AC units, furnaces, heat pumps, and similar products.
These units require professional installation from an authorized Daikin dealer representative, and that’s who ultimately establishes pricing for the Daikin products they sell. That said, homeowners can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for a Daikin air conditioner.
The price you’ll pay for a new Daikin air conditioner depends on a wide range of factors.
Larger air conditioning units are more expensive than smaller ones. Larger units can handle a much greater volume of air, which is a necessity for bigger homes. The capacity of an AC unit is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A one-ton air conditioner (about 12,000 BTUs) can cool one ton of air each hour.
Daikin’s entry-level air conditioners will be at the low end of the cost range, while its premium AC units are likely to be much higher. The tradeoff, however, is lower operating costs over the lifespan of the unit.
The region where your home is located greatly affects the type and size of air conditioner you’ll need. Arid regions with extremely hot summers often require larger AC units in order to keep up with sweltering temperatures. Cooler regions with mild summers, meanwhile, may only require moderate use of an air conditioner during summertime.
The layout and architecture of your home also comes into play. Homes designed with excessive south-facing windows receive much more direct sunlight in living spaces than homes with other orientations.
Other considerations that could impact cost include removal of an existing AC unit, upgrades or repairs to ductwork — between 25% and 40% of cool air is lost in a home’s ductwork — and permitting, if required.
Daikin is a well-respected HVAC manufacturer with a wide range of products known for their energy efficiency and longevity. Additionally, the company’s premium units operate at lower decibel levels than competitors, so when the unit operates in Quiet Mode you might not even realize your Daikin AC has kicked on.
Additionally, many of Daikin’s multi-zone cooling products come with a 12-year warranty, so you are covered if something does go wrong after the unit is installed.
Daikin stacks up well against other leading HVAC manufacturers
Daikin’s premium AC units operate more quietly, and they have a slightly longer warranty. Both Daikin and Trane are at the top of the quality spectrum.
Daikin has made its mark with innovation in inverter technology, while Carrier is more well-known for producing energy-efficient AC systems with advanced air filtration. Carrier products may be easier to source than Daikin, which has stringent requirements to become a dealer representative.
York makes quality products that may be slightly more affordable than comparable cooling systems from Daikin. However, homeowners may sacrifice a bit of energy efficiency in similarly priced models by choosing York over Daikin.
Daikin is one of the world’s largest HVAC companies. The company has a well-earned reputation for making quality products, but Daikin’s budget AC units don’t offer as many features and aren’t as energy efficient as its high-end models. Regardless, spending money for a Daikin air conditioner remains a solid investment and should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.
Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.
© 2024 Modernize.
